Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) Draft Recovery Plan, 51242-51243 [E7-17582]
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51242
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 172 / Thursday, September 6, 2007 / Notices
Background
The sand skink is known to occur in
Lake County, primarily within the Lake
Wales Ridge, and much less frequently
within the Mt. Dora Ridge. Although
originally thought to inhabit xeric, scrub
habitat exclusively, the sand skink is
currently being identified in
nontraditional areas with sub-marginal
habitat, including pine plantation,
abandoned citrus groves, and disturbed
areas. Sand skinks require soil moisture
for thermoregulation, egg incubation,
and prey habitat. High activity periods,
which have been associated with the
breeding season for this species, range
from mid-February to early May, with
egg-hatching typically occurring from
June through July. Due to the reduction
in quality and acreage and the rapid
development of xeric upland
communities, the sand skink is
reportedly declining throughout most of
its range. However, biological
information regarding the sand skink is
limited, due to the cryptic nature of the
species.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
Applicant’s Proposal
The applicant is requesting take of
approximately 3.5 ac of occupied sand
skink habitat incidental to the project.
The 10-acre project is located
approximately 1.25 miles northeast of
the intersection of U.S. Highway 192
and U.S. Highway 27 within Section 25,
Township 24 South, Range 26 East. The
project currently includes 100 units (25
buildings with 4 units per building),
associated infrastructure, and a
stormwater retention pond
encompassing 10.0 ac. The applicant
proposes to mitigate for 3.5 ac of
impacts by purchasing 7.0 ac of
occupied sand skink habitat at the
Morgan Lake Wales Preserve (Preserve)
in Polk County. The Preserve lies within
the boundaries of the Lake Wales Ridge
and covers approximately 487 ac. The
occupied sand skink habitat identified
for this project will be protected under
a conservation easement and a trust
fund has been established for perpetual
management.
We have determined that the
applicant’s proposal, including the
proposed mitigation and minimization
measures, would have minor or
negligible effects on the species covered
in the HCP. Therefore, the ITP is a ‘‘loweffect’’ project and qualifies for
categorical exclusions under the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), as provided by the Department
of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2
Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6 Appendix 1).
This preliminary information may be
revised based on our review of public
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:25 Sep 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
comments that we receive in response to
this notice. A low-effect HCP is one
involving (1) minor or negligible effects
on federally listed or candidate species
and their habitats, and (2) minor or
negligible effects on other
environmental values or resources.
We will evaluate the HCP and
comments submitted thereon to
determine whether the application
meets the requirements of section 10(a)
of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we
determine that the application meets
those requirements, we will issue the
ITP for incidental take of the sand skink.
We will also evaluate whether issuance
of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies
with section 7 of the Act by conducting
an intra-Service section 7 consultation.
We will use the results of this
consultation, in combination with the
above findings, in the final analysis to
determine whether or not to issue the
ITP.
Authority: We provide this notice under
Section 10 of the Act and NEPA regulations
(40 CFR 1506.6).
Dated: August 30, 2007.
David L. Hankla,
Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office.
[FR Doc. E7–17598 Filed 9–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia
erythrogaster neglecta) Draft Recovery
Plan
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability
for review and comment.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce
availability of the draft recovery plan for
the Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia
erythrogaster neglecta) for public review
and comment. This species is federally
listed as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). The Copperbelly Water
Snake is listed as a Distinct Population
Segment in Michigan, Ohio, and
Indiana, north of 40 degrees north
latitude. The purpose of this plan is to
recover this species so that it can be
removed from the list of Threatened and
Endangered Wildlife. We solicit review
and comment from the public on this
draft plan.
DATES: In order to consider your
comments on the draft recovery plan,
we must receive them on or before
November 5, 2007.
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
You may obtain a copy by
the following means:
1. World Wide Web: https://
midwest.fws.gov/endangered; or
2. U.S. mail or in-person pickup:
Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Ecological Services Field
Office, 2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101,
East Lansing, MI 48823–6316;
telephone, (517) 351–2555.
You may submit electronic comments
on the recovery plan to this e-mail
address: copperbellyplan@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Mike DeCapita by U.S. mail, e-mail, or
telephone (see ADDRESSES). TTY users
may contact Mr. DeCapita through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
Background
Recovery of endangered or threatened
animals or plants is a primary goal of
our endangered species program.
Recovery plans describe actions
considered necessary for conservation of
the species, establish criteria for
reclassification and delisting, and
provide estimates of the time and costs
for implementing the recovery
measures.
The Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
requires the development of recovery
plans for listed species unless such a
plan would not promote the
conservation of a particular species.
Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in
1988, requires that public notice and
opportunity for public review and
comment be provided during recovery
plan development. We will consider all
information presented during a public
comment period prior to approval of
each new or revised recovery plan. We
and other Federal agencies will also take
these comments into consideration in
the course of implementing approved
recovery plans.
The northern Distinct Population
Segment (DPS) of the Copperbelly Water
Snake was listed as threatened on
January 29, 1997. The northern DPS
occurs in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio,
north of 40 degrees north latitude. The
current distribution of the Copperbelly
Water Snake is limited to only a few
small, scattered, and isolated population
clusters in south central Michigan,
northeastern Indiana, and northwestern
Ohio. Surveys have indicated that the
species is in decline throughout these
areas.
Copperbelly Water Snakes have both
wetland and terrestrial habitat
requirements. The species is associated
with wetland complexes characterized
by a preponderance of shallow
wetlands, many of which draw down
E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM
06SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 172 / Thursday, September 6, 2007 / Notices
seasonally. Such complexes may
predominantly occur as isolated
wetlands distributed in a forested
upland matrix, floodplain wetlands fed
by seasonal flooding, or a combination
of both. Fishless wetlands, suitable for
high anuran (frog and toad)
productivity, are required to provide
habitat and a suitable prey base.
The principal limiting factor for
copperbellies appears to be sufficient
extent of suitable habitat. Individuals
move hundreds of meters or more
between wetlands and routinely use
multiple wetlands over the course of an
active season. They also spend
substantial periods of time in upland
habitat aestivating, foraging, and
shedding. Populations may require
many hundreds of hectares of
contiguous habitat in order to persist.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
Delisting Criteria
The objective of the recovery plan is
to provide a framework for the recovery
of the Copperbelly Water Snake so that
protection by the Act is no longer
necessary. Copperbelly Water Snake
will be considered for delisting when
the likelihood of the species becoming
extinct in the foreseeable future has
been reduced or eliminated by the
achievement of the following criteria.
The population sizes and
metapopulation numbers and sizes
needed for delisting and reclassification
may be updated based on further
research (e.g., population viability
analysis) on viable population sizes of
Copperbelly Water Snake or surrogate
species.
(1) Multiple population viability is
assured through the following:
(a) At least 1 population of
Copperbelly Water Snake must exceed a
population size of 1000 adults;
(b) Either 5 geographically distinct
populations have population sizes of
more than 500 individuals or 3
metapopulations must have a total
population size of 3000, with none less
than 500; and
(c) Populations described in (a) and
(b) above must persist at these levels for
at least 10 years.
(2) Sufficient habitat is conserved and
managed such that for each population
described in Criterion 1:
(a) Wetland/upland habitat complexes
sufficient to support each population
are permanently conserved, and
(b) Two suitable hibernation sites are
permanently conserved within one
kilometer of all suitable summer habitat.
(3) Significant threats due to lack of
suitable management, adverse land
features and uses, collection, and
persecution have been reduced or
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:25 Sep 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
eliminated through the following
means:
(a) Habitat management and
protection guidelines will be developed,
distributed, and maintained;
(b) Adverse land features and uses
such as row crops and roads and
accompanying traffic are removed,
minimized, or managed within
occupied Criterion-1 landscape
complexes to the extent possible; and
(c) A comprehensive education and
outreach program that addresses
persecution and collection deterrence
will be developed and implemented.
These criteria will be met through the
following actions: (1) Identify and
protect habitat landscape sufficient for
recovery; (2) Monitor known
Copperbelly Water Snake populations
and their habitat; (3) Improve baseline
understanding of Copperbelly Water
Snake ecology; (4) Develop recovery
approaches to enhance recruitment and
population size; (5) Develop and
implement public education and
outreach efforts; (6) Review and track
recovery progress; and (7) Develop a
plan to monitor Copperbelly Water
Snake after it is delisted.
Reclassification Criteria
Copperbelly Water Snake will be
considered for reclassification from
Threatened to Endangered if surveys
indicate either of the following criteria
have occurred:
(1) There are no metapopulations of
more than 500 adults.
(2) The cumulative population size is
less than 1000.
If classified as Endangered, the
species may be reclassified as
Threatened when the reclassification
criteria are no longer occurring.
Additional detail on delisting and
reclassification criteria is available in
the draft recovery plan.
Public Comments Solicited
The Service solicits written comments
on the draft recovery plan. All
comments received by the date specified
will be considered prior to approval of
the plan. Written comments and
materials regarding the plan should be
addressed to the Field Supervisor (see
ADDRESSES). Comments and materials
received will be available for public
inspection by appointment during
normal business hours at the above
address.
Authority: The authority for this action is
section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act,
16 U.S.C. 1533(f).
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
51243
Dated: July 25, 2007.
Wendi Weber,
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological
Services, Region 3, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E7–17582 Filed 9–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Proposed Low Effect Habitat
Conservation Plan for the Bellota
Landslide Repair and Shorecliffs
Mobile Home Neighborhood
Expansion, City of San Clemente,
County of Orange, CA
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Seaview Repair LLC
(applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 10year incidental take permit for one
covered species pursuant to section
10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The
application addresses the potential for
‘‘take’’ of the threatened coastal
California gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica californica, ‘‘gnatcatcher’’)
associated with the proposed landslide
remediation project in the City of San
Clemente, Orange County, California. A
conservation program to minimize and
mitigate for the project activities would
be implemented as described in the
proposed Bellota Landslide Repair and
Shorecliffs Mobile Home Neighborhood
Expansion Low Effect Habitat
Conservation Plan (proposed HCP),
which would be implemented by the
applicant.
We are requesting comments on the
permit application and on the
preliminary determination that the
proposed HCP qualifies as a ‘‘Loweffect’’ Habitat Conservation Plan,
eligible for a categorical exclusion under
the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The basis
for this determination is discussed in
the Environmental Action Statement
(EAS) and the associated Low Effect
Screening Form, which are also
available for public review.
DATES: Written comments should be
received on or before October 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be
addressed to the Field Supervisor, Fish
and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and
Wildlife Office, 6010 Hidden Valley
Road, Carlsbad, California 92011.
Written comments may be sent by
facsimile to (760) 918–0638.
E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM
06SEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 172 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51242-51243]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17582]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) Draft
Recovery Plan
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability for review and comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce
availability of the draft recovery plan for the Copperbelly Water Snake
(Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) for public review and comment. This
species is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Copperbelly Water Snake is listed as
a Distinct Population Segment in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, north of
40 degrees north latitude. The purpose of this plan is to recover this
species so that it can be removed from the list of Threatened and
Endangered Wildlife. We solicit review and comment from the public on
this draft plan.
DATES: In order to consider your comments on the draft recovery plan,
we must receive them on or before November 5, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy by the following means:
1. World Wide Web: https://midwest.fws.gov/endangered; or
2. U.S. mail or in-person pickup: Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Field Office, 2651 Coolidge Road,
Suite 101, East Lansing, MI 48823-6316; telephone, (517) 351-2555.
You may submit electronic comments on the recovery plan to this e-
mail address: copperbellyplan@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike DeCapita by U.S. mail, e-
mail, or telephone (see ADDRESSES). TTY users may contact Mr. DeCapita
through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Recovery of endangered or threatened animals or plants is a primary
goal of our endangered species program. Recovery plans describe actions
considered necessary for conservation of the species, establish
criteria for reclassification and delisting, and provide estimates of
the time and costs for implementing the recovery measures.
The Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires the development of
recovery plans for listed species unless such a plan would not promote
the conservation of a particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as
amended in 1988, requires that public notice and opportunity for public
review and comment be provided during recovery plan development. We
will consider all information presented during a public comment period
prior to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. We and other
Federal agencies will also take these comments into consideration in
the course of implementing approved recovery plans.
The northern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Copperbelly
Water Snake was listed as threatened on January 29, 1997. The northern
DPS occurs in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, north of 40 degrees north
latitude. The current distribution of the Copperbelly Water Snake is
limited to only a few small, scattered, and isolated population
clusters in south central Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and
northwestern Ohio. Surveys have indicated that the species is in
decline throughout these areas.
Copperbelly Water Snakes have both wetland and terrestrial habitat
requirements. The species is associated with wetland complexes
characterized by a preponderance of shallow wetlands, many of which
draw down
[[Page 51243]]
seasonally. Such complexes may predominantly occur as isolated wetlands
distributed in a forested upland matrix, floodplain wetlands fed by
seasonal flooding, or a combination of both. Fishless wetlands,
suitable for high anuran (frog and toad) productivity, are required to
provide habitat and a suitable prey base.
The principal limiting factor for copperbellies appears to be
sufficient extent of suitable habitat. Individuals move hundreds of
meters or more between wetlands and routinely use multiple wetlands
over the course of an active season. They also spend substantial
periods of time in upland habitat aestivating, foraging, and shedding.
Populations may require many hundreds of hectares of contiguous habitat
in order to persist.
Delisting Criteria
The objective of the recovery plan is to provide a framework for
the recovery of the Copperbelly Water Snake so that protection by the
Act is no longer necessary. Copperbelly Water Snake will be considered
for delisting when the likelihood of the species becoming extinct in
the foreseeable future has been reduced or eliminated by the
achievement of the following criteria. The population sizes and
metapopulation numbers and sizes needed for delisting and
reclassification may be updated based on further research (e.g.,
population viability analysis) on viable population sizes of
Copperbelly Water Snake or surrogate species.
(1) Multiple population viability is assured through the following:
(a) At least 1 population of Copperbelly Water Snake must exceed a
population size of 1000 adults;
(b) Either 5 geographically distinct populations have population
sizes of more than 500 individuals or 3 metapopulations must have a
total population size of 3000, with none less than 500; and
(c) Populations described in (a) and (b) above must persist at
these levels for at least 10 years.
(2) Sufficient habitat is conserved and managed such that for each
population described in Criterion 1:
(a) Wetland/upland habitat complexes sufficient to support each
population are permanently conserved, and
(b) Two suitable hibernation sites are permanently conserved within
one kilometer of all suitable summer habitat.
(3) Significant threats due to lack of suitable management, adverse
land features and uses, collection, and persecution have been reduced
or eliminated through the following means:
(a) Habitat management and protection guidelines will be developed,
distributed, and maintained;
(b) Adverse land features and uses such as row crops and roads and
accompanying traffic are removed, minimized, or managed within occupied
Criterion-1 landscape complexes to the extent possible; and
(c) A comprehensive education and outreach program that addresses
persecution and collection deterrence will be developed and
implemented.
These criteria will be met through the following actions: (1)
Identify and protect habitat landscape sufficient for recovery; (2)
Monitor known Copperbelly Water Snake populations and their habitat;
(3) Improve baseline understanding of Copperbelly Water Snake ecology;
(4) Develop recovery approaches to enhance recruitment and population
size; (5) Develop and implement public education and outreach efforts;
(6) Review and track recovery progress; and (7) Develop a plan to
monitor Copperbelly Water Snake after it is delisted.
Reclassification Criteria
Copperbelly Water Snake will be considered for reclassification
from Threatened to Endangered if surveys indicate either of the
following criteria have occurred:
(1) There are no metapopulations of more than 500 adults.
(2) The cumulative population size is less than 1000.
If classified as Endangered, the species may be reclassified as
Threatened when the reclassification criteria are no longer occurring.
Additional detail on delisting and reclassification criteria is
available in the draft recovery plan.
Public Comments Solicited
The Service solicits written comments on the draft recovery plan.
All comments received by the date specified will be considered prior to
approval of the plan. Written comments and materials regarding the plan
should be addressed to the Field Supervisor (see ADDRESSES). Comments
and materials received will be available for public inspection by
appointment during normal business hours at the above address.
Authority: The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the
Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).
Dated: July 25, 2007.
Wendi Weber,
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Region 3, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E7-17582 Filed 9-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
